The Front Porch

We're # 1! (in AZ)

2012-01-28T14:59:00.004-07:00

“MORRISON RANCH RANKED #23 IN U.S. IN 2011 HOME SALES”

GILBERT, AZ, (January, 2012) Morrison Ranch in Gilbert, AZ was the top-selling master planned community in Arizona for 2011 and ranked #23 in the U.S., based on a January 24th ranking from Irvine, CA-based John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

Gilbert’s home grown community was propelled toward the top for multiple reasons, from its prime location inside the San Tan Freeway to its proven track record of holding values as a master planned community.

Morrison Ranch has long been heralded as an example of developing principles that are reflective of the area’s agricultural heritage and implementing those principles through bold landscape design and specific elevations, themed to fit within the community.

Three homebuilders had models open in 2011: Ashton Woods Homes, Blandford Homes, and Richmond American Homes.

Morrison Ranch is most highly recognized for its combination of creative uses of reclaimed water which allows for 100% turf and currently over 20,000 trees lining its streets and parks. This green oriented landscape combined with two rail white fences, generous open spaces, individualized mail boxes, two lakes and four signature grain tanks set Morrison Ranch apart in its striving to be a community with a uniquely Gilbert character.

Morrison Ranch moves forward with its next neighborhood in a land sale scheduled for March of 2012 with two single family homebuilders who want to continue to build within the master planned community. Located at the southeast corner of Recker and Elliot roads, Phases I of this next neighborhood will be called Elliot Groves. This will be added to the existing five neighborhoods and 2,300 lots already sold to homebuilders. Morrison Ranch is home to Lakeview Village and the Arizona Farm Bureau’s headquarter. Additional retail, office, and industrial areas are a part of the master plan.

Morrison Ranch also anticipates later this year a sale of Phase I of its first residential project in the City of Mesa, already approved but yet to enter escrow with three homebuilders at the southwest corner of Guadalupe and Sossaman.

This is the second year for John Burns Real Estate Consulting’s ranking of top-selling U.S. master plans. http://www.realestateconsulting.com/content/SBMI-201201_5

###

Howard Morrison

Morrison Ranch, Inc.

3180 E. Elliot Rd

Gilbert, AZ 85234

Sunrise

2012-01-11T07:48:00.002-07:00

A great photo. Thanks, Justin. 1/11/12

Rain at the Ranch

2011-12-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well, we are drying out a little, and that is a good thing. Overall on Monday and Tuesday we got 1.7 inches total. Keep the sprinklers off for a few more days! And what does Saturday hold?

Rain at the Ranch

2011-12-13T10:28:00.001-07:00

OK, make sure those sprinklers are off! Probably for a week, even if we DON'T get more rain, which is forecast.

As of 10am today, Tuesday, we have had .88 inches since Sunday.

Mrs. Claus' Christmas Party

2011-11-30T13:59:00.002-07:00

This is just around the corner. It has always been a great time!

Mrs. Claus Holiday Party

Thursday, December 8th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
The Park in Highland Groves off Bruce Court

Join us for Music, Dancing, Holiday Crafts, Story Time, Cookie Decorating, Donuts, Hot Cocoa, visit with Mrs. Claus and have lots of Holiday Fun!

We will also be joined by a special guest this year - the Chick-Fil-A Holiday Cow!

Please RSVP with number of people attending
to Deidre at dgarber@ccmcnet.com
or call 602-309-7233.

Hope to see you at the pary!

Please click HERE to visit the Morrison Ranch web site.

The results of Turkey Tuesday

2011-11-27T08:17:00.002-07:00

We won! (It was a contest between two stores.) Here is a report from our store manager:

Thanks Justin
Of course we won the final numbers are

Bashas Gilbert Team COOP raised
$42,488
3315 turkeys

Food City Phx. Team JIMMY Q raised
$34'438
2604 turkeys

Food bank on the phone raised
$7939

Total for the day $84,865
My Many thanks to the community and all of the members for making it
such a success.
Thanks Paul Short
Bashas # 172

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:35:00.002-07:00

Hope you have a great time with family, and a wonderful long weekend. We have much to be thankful for!

Turkey Tuesday

2011-11-19T05:36:00.002-07:00

There will be a food drive at our Bashas on Tuesday.

You can read about it here.

Be Careful with your Mail

2011-11-09T06:49:00.001-07:00

A article from the AZ Republic says people were stealing mail near here.

Rain on the Ranch

2011-11-07T17:36:00.001-07:00

Hey, I didn't realize it, but we got .48 inches over the night last Friday night. And this morning we got .23 inches. That was a lot less, but on top of the other.

Community Yard Sale

2011-11-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

Community Wide Yard Sale & Donation Drop

Saturday, November 5th
Sale: 7:00am - 1:00pm
Donation Drop: 11:00am - 1:00pm

I have received a few calls and emails from residents asking if the Community Wide Garage Sale will still go on tomorrow. Yes! Rain or Shine we are still advertising the sale. A Classified ad went out in the East Valley Republic.

We will not be placing large signs or banners up. You are each more than welcome to put up directional sale signs to your house. Please just be sure to take them down after the sale.

Goodwill be at the Bashas’ parking lot after the sale 11am - 1pm collecting donations of items you did not sell. We may move the donation drop to a covered area if it is raining.

There is a map up on the website of where the sales are. If you emailed your sale in the last couple of days it may not be up yet. I am working to add more sales as the emails came in. Anyone with questions please email Deidre at dgarber@ccmcnet.com or call 602-309-7233.

Bashas Outdoor Festival

2011-10-21T17:01:00.004-07:00

There will be another Outdoor Festival with food and games in front of Bashas' tomorrow, October 22.

Pecan Festival is Tonight!

2011-10-20T07:47:00.001-07:00

Morrison Ranch is in the paper

2011-10-19T09:18:00.001-07:00

The Arizona Republic had an article about the apartments coming in Highland Groves.

Grandparents Day Card

2011-09-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Grandparent's Day Card Making @ Rock N' Robyn

Please forward this information on to your neighbors that do not have email – if they have email but are not receiving this information have them contact Deidre at dgarber@ccmcnet.com.

Grandparent’s Day Card Making

Wednesday, September 7th
3pm – 5pm
@ Rock N’ Robyn Ice Cream in the Bashas’ Plaza

Bring the kids by Rock N’ Robyn on Wednesday, September 7th for some Ice Cream
and to make Grandparent's Day cards for Grandma & Grandpa.

Show them how much you love and appreciate them!

Rock N’ Robyn will be offering a $1.00 scoop special!

Don’t forget- Grandparent’s Day is Sunday, September 11th!

All card making supplies will be provided.

Please RSVP to Deidre at dgarber@ccmcnet.com or call 602.309.7233

Association Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Phone: 480-921-7500

Community Manager
Cheryl Miller - cmiller@ccmcnet.com

Administrative Assistant
Michele Freed - mfreed@ccmcnet.com

Lifestyle Director
Deidre Garber - dgarber@ccmcnet.com

Please click HERE to visit the Morrison Ranch web site.

Rain on the Ranch

2011-08-01T10:51:00.002-07:00

I am out of town, and didn't get the exact number, but we got about 1/2 inch of rain yesterday. Wow! That is almost a month's worth in one day.

The Grain Tanks

2011-07-31T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a great picture in Go Gilbert magazine.

An Article on Rock 'n Robyn

2011-07-20T13:47:00.003-07:00

Read the article here.

Rain at the Ranch

2011-07-11T16:29:00.001-07:00

Our fancy rain gauge has a problem, but the gauge at the Dairy at Elliot and Sossaman had 3/4 of an inch from Saturday night. No word on how much from this early morning's rain.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T10:50:00.003-07:00

The official Town fireworks event is shared with Central Christian Church at Lindsay and Germann, tonight.

Flag Day

2011-06-14T11:03:00.002-07:00

Don't forget, today is Flag Day.

Restoration

2011-06-07T07:05:00.003-07:00

The retention basin and trail along the north edge of Higley Groves West hasn't had irrigation for a number of years. There were a combination of reasons for that, and I think it was a good decision. Of course, I am biased because I am on the board. In any case, the time has come to make it green again, and here we are. It has been a major effort to get all the irrigation working and drill new seed so it would fill in quickly, but it is coming along nicely. It will be a beautiful trail for all to enjoy.

Look at that corn

2011-06-06T11:10:00.003-07:00

You have heard of "Knee High by 4th of July"? That would be in Illinois. Here, it will be either 12 feet tall, or already cut down to 4 inches. This corn is at the southwest corner of Power and Elliot and will be chopped for silage for Arizona Dairy Company.

Riparian Preserve

2011-05-25T12:50:00.003-07:00

If you cross the canal in the northwest corner of Higley Groves West, you can take one of the trails like the video shows into the Preserve. If you get to the highest point at the lookout near the observatory, you can just make out the tanks at Morrison Ranch Town Center.

The REAL Grand Opening

2011-05-10T11:43:00.002-07:00

See you there!

No more gas

2011-05-03T10:10:00.001-07:00

Well, Bashas has decided they can't make money selling gas. They only had two locations with gas, and my understanding is that they closed them both.

Morrison Ranch didn't have anything to do with the decision. We may have something to do with coming up with an alternative.

More info when we have it.

Outdoor Festival and More

2011-05-01T07:55:00.003-07:00

So, I got there a little late, and there were still a lot of folks around the Bashas' Outdoor Festival and Rock N' Robin. As I understand it, the drag racers were NOT the grand opening. That will be in a couple of weeks. But it was still a great weekend for the community. Hope everyone's garage sale was a success as well.

A map to garage sales on Saturday

2011-04-28T11:01:00.001-07:00

Will you look at this! What will they come up with next.

Saturday should be Fun!

2011-04-26T07:05:00.004-07:00

OK, we are having a community wide garage sale, Bashas' is having another Outdoor Festival, and Rock N' Robyn is having their grand opening. A hoppin' place!

Community Garage Sale this Saturday

2011-04-25T11:27:00.002-07:00

Obviously, you can have a garage sale when you would like. But this is a great chance to have a little more momentum. And Goodwill will be at the Bashas' to accept what you can't sell and won't put back in the house!

Community Wide Garage Sale & Donation Drop
Sale: Saturday, April 30th ~ 7:00am - 12:00noon
Donation Drop: Saturday, April 30th ~ 11am - 1pm

Spring cleaning time is here! What a great time to clean out old items, have a garage sale and make a little extra money!

We will be putting together an online map of the sales. If you are interested in having your house placed on the map, please email your address to Deidre at dgarber@ccmcnet.com by Wednesday, April 27th.

Goodwill Donation drop will be held in the Bashas' Parking Lot frolm 11am - 1pm. Bring over any garage sale leftovers or just items to donate.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T06:31:00.003-07:00

I am so grateful that Jesus died, was buried, and ROSE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY!

I hope your Easter is blessed.

Arbor Day, a good time was had by all.

2011-04-18T08:29:00.002-07:00

We had little trees to plant, and big trees to shade us, and lots of things for kids to do. Thanks to all who made a contribution with your presence and your efforts.

Remember: Arbor Day tomorrow

2011-04-15T10:56:00.001-07:00

April 16, 9am, Highland Groves.

Look two posts down for more details. See you there!

Town Center Lake

2011-04-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

So, how far is it around that lake? I measured with my bike odometer yesterday, and I got .87 miles around the sidewalk. It seems too far when you look at it, but if you thought of going around a square 1/4 mile on a side, that would be a mile. This is a little less. Park a little way from the lake and you have a mile. Walk from home and you might have two miles! Google Earth has a measuring tool that can help you figure that out.

Rock N' Robyn serves breakfast too

2011-04-13T09:49:00.003-07:00

Yes, they serve breakfast. Not bacon and eggs, but coffee - lattes and such - smoothies, muffins, bagels, fruit, all that could be breakfast. This is the smoothie Robyn herself fixed me when I got off my bike this morning. Breakfast!

Arbor Day in Morrison Ranch is Saturday

2011-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it is not a great picture. But this is a blog, not a gallery :-) That is the banner we got for Arbor Day this year from the Town. More from Deidre:

Arbor Day Festival
Saturday, April 16th

9:00am - 11:00am

The Park at Highland Groves Off Bruce Court

Join us for a fun filled family morning!
Activities Include: Tree Seedling Planting, Crafts, Balloon Animals, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Bounce House & DJ with Relay Races & The Great American Bake Sale!
We are looking for Bake Sale Donations. If you are interested in donating please email your name, address, phone number and what you would like to donate to Michael at michaelstrauch25@gmail.com.

Please RSVP with number of people attending to Deidre at dgarber@ccmcnet.com or call 602-309-7233.

Rock N' Robyn is Open!

2011-04-11T10:14:00.003-07:00

Right next to Subway at Lakeview Village, we now have a fabulous ice cream shop. Fabulous, as in, this could be a real problem for all of my future dietary plans! They have shakes and smoothies and ice cream. They are open until something like 9pm on weekdays, and later on weekends. And they are open early with Lattes and such and muffins. Check it out!

Spring has Sprung!

2011-04-07T15:15:00.002-07:00

The roses at Grandma’s Houses (northwest corner of Elliot and Higley roads) in Morrison Ranch just don’t get any better than they look right now. Drive or bike by and enjoy. You also might think of and remember Leatha (Nichols) Morrison (1905-1987) who led the way for the Morrison’s in so many ways, including enjoying the simple beauty of roses.

Barrio Cafe coming to Gilbert

2011-03-16T07:02:00.001-07:00

It will be a while (November), but this is a good thing! I have eaten at the Barrio Cafe in Phoenix and it is unusual and good. A nice change of pace in Mexican food.

Read the article here.

Outdoor Festival at Bashas'

2011-03-12T09:29:00.002-07:00

It's going on right now. The same time as the Fishing Day. So you can fish and you can climb a rock wall. Go it 'em!

Youth Fishing Day

2011-03-10T11:21:00.006-07:00

Youth Fishing Festival This Saturday

We hope to see all of you at the Youth Fishing Festival this Saturday!

2nd ANNUAL YOUTH FISHING FESTIVAL
This Saturday! March 12th
8:00am – 1:00pm
Free for All Morrison Ranch Residents

Join us at our Reservoir on Morrison Ranch Parkway & Higley Road.
Arizona Game and Fish will provide Rods, Reels, Bait and Advice.

FREE BBQ Hamburgers & Hot Dogs Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP to Deidre at dgarber@ccmcnet.com or call 602-309-7233.

And...

SAVE THE DATE

Annual Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, April 16th - 9:00am - 11:00am

Join us for a fun filled morning with your family. Activities include -

Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Tree Seedling Planting, Face Painting,

Great American Bake Sale and More!

Visit http://www.mymorrisonranch.org/ for updates.

Association Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Phone: 480-921-7500

Community Manager
Cheryl Miller - cmiller@ccmcent.com

Administrative Assistant
Michele Freed - mfreed@ccmcnet.com

Lifestyle Director
Deidre Garber - dgarber@ccmcnet.com

Please click HERE to visit the Morrison Ranch web site.

This Saturday, Hot Dogs and More!

2011-02-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for the second annual Mayor's Cactus League hot Dog Challenge - March 5!

Mayor’s Cactus League Hot Dog Challenge

FREE ADMISSION for this fun filled family event!

Date: Saturday, March 5th, 2011
Time: 3:00pm to 7:30pm
Location: Gilbert – Big League Dreams

There’s only one place in the world where you can get all the Cactus League Hot Dogs and that place is “Big League Dreams” in Gilbert, AZ.

On Saturday March 5th Big League Dreams and East Valley Sports Authority invite you to join Gilbert Mayor John Lewis at the the 2nd Annual “Cactus League Hot Dog Challenge” from 3:30pm to 7:30pm.

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better then last years, as Mayor Lewis challenges Mesa’s Mayor Scott Smith to a winner-take-all softball game. There’s also a speed pitch booth, a petting zoo, Fire & Police vehicles , a youth rock band from “Rock n Roll High School”, face painting, and much more. In addition, a tribute to Cactus League history will be on display along with baseball memorabilia, trivia, raffles, and more surprises honoring America’s National Pastime.

Plus all youth sport organizations have the opportunity to join in our “Youth Sports Village,” giving them valuable exposure to all our East Valley residents.
Come see the Gilbert vs. Mesa Softball Game, which includes Police Officers and Fireman. Mayor Smith may think he’s got the home field advantage as the game will be played on the replica of the Chicago Cub’s Wrigley Field, but Mayor Lewis has a few surprises of his own – including the only woman to ever play professional baseball: Gilbert Firefighter Ila Borders.

As well as the formal day’s schedule (shown below), we will also have many activities for children and adults alike. There will be a selection of local businesses displaying their products and services, and a “Sports Youth Village” with local sports organizations. Children will be entertained by face painters, magicians, baseball/softball activities, animals and of course some great food. Gilbert Police & the Gilbert fire department will also be in attendance, allowing kids and adults alike to gain a better appreciation for what they do.

If you weren’t able to make 2010, then be sure not to miss this year’s event, it will be bigger and better than last year, with more attractions, more activities, more celebrities, more local businesses and more people. So mark March 5th in your calendar and be sure to let others know about our fun-filled event.

3.00pm - Event opens
4.00pm - Youth Sports Games
5.00pm - Gilbert vs Mesa (police / firefighters) slow pitch softball game
6.00pm - Hot Dog Challenge (who has the best hot dog)
7.00pm - Raffle & Prizes awarded

Ongoing: FacePainting, Batting Cages, Entertainment
There is a ton of information on here http://cactusleaguehotdogchallenge.com/schedule

All net profits from hot dog & raffle ticket purchases will benefit ex-Diamondback player Shea Hillenbrand’s “Against All Odds Foundation”, a local charity serving both animals and children in need.

For full details, go to https://local.nixle.com/alert/4658605/?sub_id=327520.

Contact Information:
Public Information Office
Town of Gilbert
480-503-6766 publicinformation@gilbertaz.gov

Lights on the Tanks

2011-02-12T16:45:00.003-07:00

Courtesy of Bias for Action:

You’ll be glad to know that 43 burned out bulbs were replaced on the string of lights that encircle the top of the four grain tanks at Morrison Ranch. They look GREAT, don’t they. Thanks go to Justin Stewart for braving the boom that took him up 80’ for the task. And thanks for members of the Morrison family who picked up the cost. (These tanks are NOT association property, but rather private property. Nevertheless, they sure are nice to have as a landmark in the immediate area.)

Lakeview Village Outdoor Festival

2011-02-08T07:57:00.001-07:00

There will be another outdoor event in front of Bashas' this Saturday, Feb. 12, from 9-3. It will be much like the previous ones, with stuff to do and stuff to eat. A good time in the neighborhood!

Christmas Party 2010

2010-12-17T08:11:00.002-07:00

The kids enjoyed making the ornaments!

The Party with Mrs. Claus was GREAT!

2010-12-11T09:15:00.002-07:00

Thanks to all who came!

Mrs Claus is Coming!!

2010-12-02T14:52:00.002-07:00

See you December 9th.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-25T09:50:00.002-07:00

Hope you can spend it with family. I will, and it warms my heart.

Gilbert safest town in AZ!

2010-11-24T08:00:00.002-07:00

Here is the article. We all need to stay alert, that is how we stay the safest. Let's watch out for one another.

Morrison Ranch Annual Meeting went well

2010-11-17T10:03:00.004-07:00

I should have gotten it announced ahead of time, but I think Deidre did a good job of letting people know. She reports that we have over 600 people signed up on the website.

We had 48 residents show up, and I think that was a new high.

There were plenty of questions and requests, and they are all taken seriously. I thought the spirit of the meeting was really good.

Gilbert Days Parade is tomorrow, Rodeo next weekend.

2010-11-12T07:43:00.003-07:00

Get the schedule here.

The parade is in downtown Gilbert at 9am.

In case you need to drain your pool

2010-10-29T11:27:00.001-07:00

This is the Town of Gilbert page on pool draining. There are three options. Actually, number three is better for the park spaces than number two, because it keeps chlorine and salt out of the grass.

Highland Park Walk to School Day is Tomorrow!

2010-10-25T11:41:00.002-07:00

Veterans Day Event

2010-10-25T11:10:00.002-07:00

This sounds like a great event. We probably need more info.

Higley Unified School District cordially invites you to attend a special event on November 9^th, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. in Gilbert, Arizona at 2935 S. Recker Rd. 85295. This event is to honor those who served and to those who paid the ultimate price! We hope that by attending this years’ event you might better understand the exposure and value this event has on Arizona youth and our communities.

The Higley Unified School District #60 located in Gilbert, Arizona is hosting our annual Veterans Day Celebration at the Football Stadium at Higley High School. This event has drawn thousands of people every year; most of them are Veterans from World War II, Korean War, Viet Nam War, Desert Storm, and the more recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Tony Malaj, Executive Director

Education Support Services & Community Partnerships

Higley Unified School District

New Restaurant Down the Street

2010-10-19T15:15:00.002-07:00

This is Tia Rosa's, good Mexican food just down the street at the Northeast Corner of Higley and Guadalupe. Check it out!

Pecan Festival this Thursday

2010-10-18T10:57:00.002-07:00

Morrison Ranch Pecan Harvest Festival

Thursday, October 21st ● 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Lake View Trails Center Park at Marlene Dr. & Wade Dr.

We'll be serving Hot Dogs & Apple Cider!

Bring your best dessert to share!
Pecan themed desserts are encouraged!

Kids Costume Parade w/ Treats & Prizes Balloon Animals,
Harvest & Halloween Crafts, DJ with Music, Games and More!

Please RSVP to Deidre at dgarber@ccmcnet.com or 602-309-7233
by Friday, October 15th with number of kids and adults attending.

An Article about Higley

2010-10-15T07:22:00.002-07:00

Read here.

There are events next week at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts.

Richmond American is coming!

2010-10-07T07:00:00.001-07:00

Richmond American Homes plans on opening their neighborhood on Friday, November 5th! They will be building homes in the south half of Lakeview Trails. Their models will be accessed off of Recker Road south of Elliot.

Rain in the Ranch, Updated Again!

2010-10-06T07:19:00.003-07:00

Yesterday, all told, by midnight, we got .83 inches at the weather station. That is a nice month of rain in one day. I gather that parts of Gilbert got more like 2 inches! And some big hail? Hope we didn't lose trees.

Pecan Festival

2010-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Fall Pecan Harvest Festival is scheduled for Thursday, October 21st within Lakeview Trails North, from 5-7 p.m. Come join in!

I will post some more info later.

Rain in the Ranch, Updated

2010-10-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

OK, as of 4pm, we got another .38 inches. And maybe more to come.

Rain in the Ranch

2010-10-05T10:32:00.001-07:00

In case you wondered:

We got .14 inches on Saturday, and .03 inches this morning, Tuesday. Gosh, I thought it was more, but not according to the weather station.